N.P.O.

plate yourself up

your very best virtues

and tell yourself 

you're not part of the 

problem.

maybe if you devour

the meal al la media

you'll fill up and

feel sated

or something like that.

boot leather and

seasoned propoganda

make a meal for a king

on a stolen throne of

bone meal.

so welcome to the feast,

pick up your forks

and take your time,

and if you're lucky

you'll get a seat by the window.

Author's Note

N.P.O is a medical abbreviation that comes from the Latin phrase of "nil per os", which then translates to "nothing by mouth".

Reviews

[FlatDaddy]

I so thought at first that this was another comment about Trump (it so fits), but I see it is not. It feels more for those who watch and wait, hungry for the feast but getting nothing (by mouth). Maybe they get to watch?Nicely written, Emmy. Enigmatic.

[RomaJ]

I love how this poem uses the imagery of a meal to critique moral posturing and complicity. The “feast” built on “boot leather and seasoned propaganda” and a “stolen throne of bone meal” is darkly clever and striking. The sardonic “seat by the window” perfectly captures the idea of observing injustice rather than challenging it. A sharp and thought-provoking read.

[Lorry]

What's he done now? (Trump I mean)
Of course it could be about the bosses at a hospital but most likely he has dictated this or that, without thought to the staff that work there, as is his M.O.
There is a lot to be said for not having a TV... or internet for that matter! 😀

[Emunah June.]

I’m sure you could apply this to our current administration, but I did not write this with him in mind. I wrote it more as a commentary to the country as it is, and how the rich stay full and the rest of us are struggling. How can we ever stomach this?

[Davidgeo]

Is this about wallabies? Or the roo problem in Queensland?

[Emunah June.]

I wouldn’t believe so, no. Is there a problem out that way with the Roos?

[Davidgeo]

I had multiple tabs open and totally meant this for a different poem. Ah, I'm sorry. I'm sure that review didn't make any sense. My bad.

[Emunah June.]

Haha, its all good, I hope you at least enjoyed the poem

[Michael Sun Bear]

As soon as I saw the title NPO I knew this would be good. Don’t explain any part of your poems, let the reader work for it, if need be. You have a very interesting mind, my friend. I am so happy I have a seat by your window. Every time I think I may be getting a handle on what makes you you, what makes you write, what makes the way you write, you delight me with a new facet.